The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) in collaboration with Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC) and Futurpreneur will be running a virtual Intellectual Property (IP) Bootcamp for Indigenous Entrepreneurs. The bootcamp aims to empower participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to protect their business innovations.

Through four interactive modules, participants will gain practical skills including how to develop a robust IP strategy, learn about IP funding opportunities at different stages of a business lifecycle and gain insights on how to properly apply for these opportunities. In addition, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn the importance of protecting their IP as they scale up their business.

The bootcamp will also include discussions on traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, highlighting intellectual property considerations that are particularly relevant to Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities.

Key IP ecosystem partners collaborating in the module delivery include:

• Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (all modules)
• Christina Adam, Strategic Policy Sector, ISED (module 1)
• Chris Stillwell, North Forge (Module 4)

The Bootcamp will be offered online via virtual classroom (Microsoft Teams). Prior to the first session, participants will be required to complete preparatory homework. The homework will include meeting with a CIPO IP advisor as well as reviewing CIPO’s online video on the six steps for developing an IP strategy that will be used throughout the modules.

NOTE: All times are in Eastern Time

Day 1 (Nov. 18):

• Module 1: Setting the IP stage (1:00 to 2:10 pm)
• Break (2:10 to 2:20 pm)
• Module 2: Taking the stage (2:20 to 3:30 pm)

Day 2 (Nov.19):

• Module 3: Tapping into supports and scaling up (1:00 to 2:10 pm)
• Break (2:10 to 2:20 pm)
• Module 4: Funding Your IP Journey (2:20 to 3:30 pm)
• Q&A

Selection criteria

The bootcamp is aimed at entrepreneurs at the IP strategy development stage. The target audience should already have a basic understanding of IP. To ensure modules remain meaningful and impactful, and to maximize learning outcomes, cohorts will be limited to fifteen to twenty participants. Geographic representation from across Canada will be considered as part of the selection criteria.

To submit an application to participate in the bootcamp, please follow the link to fill out the candidate information form below.